Bodhicharyavatara
Bodhicharyavatara (Tib. chöjuk; spyod 'jug) Introduction to the Bodhisattva's Way of Life - Shantideva's classic guide to the mahayana path.
Outline
The text has ten chapters:
- The Excellence of Bodhichitta
- Confession
- Commitment/Full Acceptance
- Carefulness/Conscientiousness
- Vigilance/Awareness
- Patience
- Diligence
- Meditation
- Wisdom
- Dedication
Structure
Patrul Rinpoche explained the text in relation to the famous prayer:
- O precious, sublime bodhicitta:
- May it arise in those in whom it has not arisen;
- May it never decline where it has arisen;
- May it go on increasing, further and further!
- Chapters 1, 2 and 3 are designed to stimulate the dawning of bodhichitta in the mind.
- Chapter 4, 5 and 6 give instructions on how to prevent bodhichitta from being dissipated.
- Chapters 7, 8 and 9 give the means by which bodhichitta may be made to increase further and further.
- And the 10th chapter is a concluding prayer of dedication.
Translations in European Languages
English
- The Way of the Bodhisattva: A Translation of the Bodhicharyavatara, translated by the Padmakara Translation Group, Shambhala Publications, 2003, ISBN: 1590300572
- A Guide to the Bodhisattva Way of Life, translated by Vesna and Alan Wallace, Snow Lion Publications, 1997, ISBN: 1559390611
- A Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life, translated by Stephen Batchelor, LTWA, ISBN: 8185102597
French
- La Marche Vers L’Éveil, Éditions Padmakara, 1991/2, ISBN : 2-906949-03-5
German
- Ernst Steinkellner: Eintritt in das Leben zur Erleuchtung, München: Eugen Diederichs Verlag 1981
Commentaries
- A Flash of Lightning in the Dark of Night: A Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life, HH the Dalai Lama, Shambhala, 1994, ISBN: 0877739714
External Links
- Bodhicharyavatara Series on Lotsawa House
- Khenpo Kunpal's commentary The first five chapters translated by Andreas Kretschmar and available for free download in pdf format